You may think of eye injuries as something that happens with dangerous tools or flying debris in the workplace, but according to the University of Utah Health Care, most injuries to the eye occur during the course of regular daily activities not only at work, but at home and at play. Learn the most common causes of injury to the eyes, then take steps to safeguard your vision.
Step 1
Wear sunglasses whenever you're outside or driving your car, even on cloudy, overcast days. Ophthalmologists at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center note that the sun's UV rays can damage the surface of the eye. Like regular sunburns, the damage disappears in a day or two, but over time, sun exposure can lead to various disorders, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Effective sunglasses don't need to be expensive but should block at least 99 percent of the sun's UV-A and UV-B rays.
Step 2
Protect your eyes if you're among the millions of Americans that spend many hours working at a computer. According to Northwestern Health Services University, over half of all computer users report eye strain and fatigue. Use a large monitor with a flat screen located 20 to 26 inches from your eyes. Avoid overhead lighting that can cause glare. Take a break every 20 minutes and relax your eyes by looking at an object 20 feet away. Blink your eyes often.
Step 3
Use simple common sense to protect your eyes, suggests the Department of Ophthalmology at and Visual Sciences at the University of Illinois. Read safety warnings and manufacturer's directions. Pick up rocks before you mow the lawn. Monitor children during their use of BB guns, sling shots or missile-type toys. Wrap champagne bottle corks in a towel before opening the bottle, and point the bottle away from other people and from yourself.
Step 4
Wear proper eye protection while using tools, welding equipment, pesticides or any toxic chemicals. University of Florida AgSafe reports that many injuries are caused by flying objects, contact with chemicals, misuse of tools or improper safety habits. Wear glasses with side protection if you need to protect your eyes from flying debris. Goggles will offer better protection from splashes of toxic chemicals, sparks or dust. Choose safety glasses or goggles that will fit over your regular eyeglasses. Replace the glasses if they become scratched, cracked or pitted.
Things You'll Need
- Sunglasses
- Large computer monitor with a flat screen
- Safety glasses or goggles
References
- University of Florida: Protect the Eyes From Harm
- University of Michigan Kellog Eye Center: Protect Your Eyes from the Summer Sun
- Northwestern Health Sciences University: Protect Your Eyes from Computer Eye Strain
- University of Illinois Medical Center: Protecting Your Eyes: At Home, At Work, At Play
- University of Utah Health Care: Take Care of Your Eyes
